Has anyone had a chance to try the Hobie Bravo? I used to sail on a mid-80s TheMightyHobie18, but I sold it thinking I wanted to play with monohulls (oops!). Of course, I ended up selling the monohull when I realized that I wouldn't get to the lake often enough to justify the slip fees (very young kids!).

Anyhow, I have been eyeballing the Bravo and the Wave as lower cost options that I can store in my garage. The Bravo promo video on the Hobie site sure makes it look fun (otherwise why would they show the video on the website?). I do have the disadvantage of size (6'2" and 230 lbs), but even when I've gone out on Lasers, the speed has been enough to have fun (although I wouldn't be able competetive in most races).

Any insight or experiences that any of you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jason

From what I have seen the Bravo is primarily a children's boat. It has a beam of only 53 inches and is only 12 feet long. The wave is a much heartier boat that works well for children and adults. I think out of the two the wave is where you want to be.
Good Luck,

Wave.

Seeing is believing.

Video of two men and a girl having a great time on a Bravo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9us9Mh7SHnU

I love the first thing you here the guy say when he gets off the boat is "did you see us flip"

Try this link: http://www.nacraeurope.com/product.php?product_id=7&name=Prindle+Playcat
this is now made by nacra. At 16' 7" should be able to handle your size & cost less than a wave

Looks great what's the platform weight? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Hey Jason,
You may want to post the same question on the Hobie Bravo Forum. You'll get some answers to your questions from people that have actually sailed the Bravo. The best way is to go try one out. Contact your local Hobie dealer and see if they can hook you up.

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewforum.php?f=42

I own a Bravo and do a mile marker run about once a week here in the Monterey Bay. I am 6'5" and about 250#'s. They are super quick to set up and get on the water- 5 minutes + or-. My wife and I have sailed the Bravo together before.

One of the best times I have ever had sailing was on a Bravo. I sold a fleet of them to a camp up in the Sierra and offered the staff a one day seminar covering rigging, safety etc... Well it turned out that the staff was between 14 and 18 and showed up with a force 30 strong. I put 3 each on a boat and the directer and myself on one. We played follow the leader around a few existing marks, then, as I promised it was time for "righting practice".

The group of 16 year old boys immediately sailed over to the group of 16 year old girls and flipped them over. The words of my safety talk basically went out the window and mayhem ensued. The director and myself, sensing our impending doom sailed for the beach only to be caught and immediately flipped by the boys who had paddled their boat in the super light wind.

Later in the day it was all out, full contact racing with the girls kicking butt all over the course.

30 Teenagers+ 12 Bravos = a guaranteed fun time!

Just guessing 230 to 240lbs.
is this to big for an F16, at 16' 7"?

Christened and launched my new Bravo yesterday.
The two of us @ 370lbs had a great time. Then noticed that the bow was submarining in puffs downwind. It got worse.
Discovered that it sailed much better when drained and plugs inserted.

Dear CHAS,

Where isn SE Utah do you sail? Other than Glen Canyon, that's austere territory with not much water!

Tiny Ken's Lake (pond) near Moab. Not recommended. It is like skiing one of those golf course hills. It was built of rocks, hence the roto-molded choice

Will take it to McPhee Reservior near Dolores, Colorado when it warms up. Maybe down to Puerto Penasco or South Padre in the fall.
Have not found anyone who sailed Glen Canyon-Lake Powell twice. Narrow channels and drunken houseboat drivers, etc.

Sail the Pearson Ensign from my slip on Lake Dillon in Colorado

Having so much fun we got a second one.
Have been sailing with 370 lbs.
Will be nice to have one to myself.
The winds have been surprisingly good.